Bognor Regis 'cosmopolitan' transformation plans underway

DBK Back has been hired as project manger and cost consultant on the £100m revamp of Bognor Regis. St Modwen Properties is carrying out the regeneration of the West Sussex seaside resort for Arun District Council.

Two landmark sites will be created. The first is the mixed-used Leisure Heart Project near the seafront. It is expected to comprise a 500-seat arts centre on the promenade, a 3,050 sq m cinema, indoor bowling alley (2,550 sq m), bingo hall (2,050sq m), retail and restaurant space totalling 2,800 sq m, as well as a 2,050 sq m 70 room hotel, 168 apartments, 500-space car park and five retail kiosks.

The second proposed site is the Healthy Living project, situated next to the main shopping area of Bognor town centre. This is expected to comprise a 1,500 sq m primary care trust, new library, county council offices, Citizens' Advice Bureau, three retails units of about 10,000 sq ft to form a market square, 126 apartments and an additional 226 car parking spaces.

Architect KSS Design Group is developing detailed plans in order to submit a planning application in autumn 2007. The developer is hoping to start work on site in 2008 and complete the project in 2013.

Neil Grocock, associate director for DBK Back's London office, said: "I believe the strategic positioning of the two town centre sites will encourage further investment and development, creating a more unified and cosmopolitan town centre."

DBK is working on several projects with St Modwen. These include Hatfield Town Centre - a £60m ongoing redevelopment project in conjunction with Welwyn and Hatfield Council. At Wembley town centre, £45m of development work is due to start later this year, with completion expected in 2009. The two firms are also working on the £60m Edmonton Green scheme in Enfield, London, which is expected to finish in summer 2007.